Hometown Family Business Sct

January 30 - February 5, 2009

South County Times

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The next Hometown Family Business profiles section runs in July 2009. Call 314-968-2699 to find out how you can be a part of it.

Pictured (l to r) are: Sabrina Tate, Bob Gaus, Steve Lotz and Debbie Gruenewald

Tower Tee Reaches Out To Students, Offers Instruction Aimed At Scholarships Tower Tee Family Golf and Recreation has been around since 1962. More recently it has expanded its focus to training student golfers. “We will provide golf training to over 500 elementary and high school students in 2009,” owner Steve Lotz said. “We serve West County and South County CYC programs, four universities, seven high schools, the Webster Groves recreation program, St. Louis Community College and other programs.” Lotz said the business, located 6727 Heege Road, has broadened its instructional programs to focus on training and coaching high school athletes for golf scholarships. Tower Tee’s staff consists of Lotz, who is also the head PGA professional; Debbie Gruenewald, general manager; Bob Gaus, PGA member and teaching professional; Sabrina Tate, LPGA member and teaching professional; Drew Huelsing, PGA apprentice and teaching professional; and Dave Swatek, who has served as “The King of the Cage” at

January 2009

Tower Tee baseball for more than 30 years. Lotz purchased Tower Tee in 2002 from his father Richard. Richard originally opened the facility with his father Roy Lotz. The facility features a golf range, an 18-hole par three golf course, batting cages and miniature golf. It is open every day of the year regardless of weather. “We have heaters in the winter and fans in the summer,” Lotz said. Lotz said customers most often compliment him on Tower Tee’s friendly staff, hours of operation, its three large putting greens and the overall condition of the facility. Tower Tee’s coaching staff has also brought the business some recognition recently. Bob Gaus, one of Tower Tee’s coaching staff, played in his second U.S. Open in 2008. The business has hosted such notable figures as John Goodman, Bobby Knight, Bob Costas and Joe Buck as well as numerous PGA players.

6727 Heege Road • 314-481-5818 • www.towertee.com

Before

After Steve and Sterling Frey

Pat Tosie

Custom Concepts Gets Homeowners Involved In Building Process Family-owned and operated Custom Concepts Design & Build has been serving the Midwest since 1965. Patrick A. Tosie Sr. owns the custom home building company which builds custom homes, room additions and log homes. Tosie’s staff includes Mike Roth, sales manager who joined Tosie in 1996; Randy Strunk, a consultant joined Tosie in 1994; and Steve Rehagen, a design professional, joined Tosie in 1998. Now in its second generation, Custom Concepts was started with the philosophy to help people get the most for their construction budget by getting them actively involved in the building process. The “Partner in Building” program allows customers to choose products that go into a home, the contractors who work on it, as well as the design that best fits their lifestyle. By acting as an owner-builder, customers can save up to 30 percent

and more of the appraised value of their finished home, earning instant equity. “Custom Concepts helps you get the most for your construction budget,” Tosie said. Plus, Tosie noted that every addition, home and log home is personally designed for each client. Through the years Tosie has noticed that people are doing larger projects than ever before. “Each and every customer is different, each with unique wants, needs and challenges,” Tosie said. “Every job is a new experience and I have the satisfaction of helping people live in the house of their dreams.” Custom Concepts offers free building workshops several times a year. They cover everything from type of home, budget, financing to building permit application. The next workshop will be held on Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m., at Custom Concepts in Sunset Hills.

3751 S. Lindbergh • 314-821-6700 www.mycustomhome.com

Crestwood Appliance Repair: More Than A Parts And Service Center Crestwood Appliance Repair Inc. has diversified over the years to stay afloat. Today, President Sterling Frey and Vice President Steve Frey offer major appliance parts, plus die cast cars, airplanes, fire trucks and tractors. Their newest item is Sterling’s non-scratch sponges which the Freys sell coast-to-coast in about 400 stores. The business has been located in Crestwood since 1964. In 1998, it moved to its present location at 9979 Watson Road (9/10 of a mile west of Crestwood Court). “We started out as a small appliance vacuum and electric shaver parts and service company,” said Sterling. “Now because most small appliances are made so cheap, we have had to diversify in many new things or go broke.” In 1987 Sterling created Sterling’s Products, a preshave and liquid head

cleaner for electric shavers, which has become a big success. “Two years ago I found a new nonscratch sponge at a trade show in Las Vegas. The company I was buying them from was a loser and it went out of business,” Sterling explained. “I found the company that made them and I now import them under my Sterling’s label. It will be a multi-million dollar product this year.” The Freys take pride in their work and being the best at what they do. “We never ask a customer to spend money on something we would not do ourselves,” Sterling said. That philosophy has earned the trust of their customers. “They know we do good work and trust our advice,” Sterling said of his customers. “And, I recently bought out Authorized Appliance on Hampton Ave.”

Crestwood Appliance Repair, Inc. 9979 Watson Road • Crestwood • 314-909-8900 41 Years in Crestwood • 8:30 to 5 Daily. Sat 8:30 to 3

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South County Times

January 30 - February 5, 2009

The Chain Saw Gang from Eirich Landscaping. Back row (l to r): Smiley, Rocky, Speedy, Dynomite, Duder and Hot Dog. Front row (l to r): Hatchett and Boss Man.

Eirich Landscaping, Inc., Four Generations In Grounds Maintenance In 1981, shortly after completing his degree in horticulture, Scott Eirich incorporated Eirich Landscaping, Inc. He was proud to take over the family heritage, becoming the fourth generation in grounds maintenance. Eirich Landscaping, Inc. is a complete residential and commercial landscaping business. Services include: installation of bushes, trees, fences, retaining walls, drainage systems and lawn sodding; erosion control; lawn maintenance; leaf and stump removal; final grading; topsoil; dethatching; aerating; swales; lawn seeding; fence rows cleared; mowing; plus all phases of tractor work. In addition, they have added a high efficiency leaf vacuuming system onto a large containment truck for super fast leaf and debris removal. Firewood is split, sold and delivered year round. They also offer log splitting service at

your home. Snow removal and salting services are available during the winter. “Over the years my company has expanded, enabling us to perform many aspects of landscaping services,” said Scott. “This is due to experience, special equipment, knowledge and a conscientious staff. We consider all projects equally important and the customer’s satisfaction number one. Clients often praise the efficiency, quality and neatness of the staff employed by Eirich Landscaping. We have always tried to staff our company with people who care. “Last year’s big storms left a lot of cleaning up to do and our crews were out there. We did lots of tree and shrub trimming and removal, stump and log removal and tons of just plain yard raking.” Scott Eirich reminds everyone that now is the time to schedule spring and summer maintenance and landscaping.

celebrating 28 years in business • thank you

8430 Gravois • Affton • 314-353-2107

From left: Bob Veach, Tabatha Veach, Darlene Kavanaugh and Tom Kavanaugh.

Miracle Method Offers Savings Over Replacing Old Bathroom Or Kitchen Miracle Method is a bathroom and kitchen refinishing business offering services that fit the bill during both good and bad economic times, according to owners Terry and Darlene Kavanaugh. The St. Louis company refinishes old, worn out and dated tubs, tiles, vanity tops and countertops. Miracle Method also makes repairs to fiberglass. The www.miraclemethod.com website answers questions that customers have about the process. “When homeowners are selling they need to improve marketability. When not selling, homeowners are needing and wanting ease of maintainability and an up-to-date look,” Terry Kavanaugh said. As a franchise company, Kavanaugh said Miracle Method offers 30 years of experience with more than 100 locations across America. The company has employed the same procedures on hundreds of thousands of jobs. “That means our procedures must work.

So, why choose a less experienced company to do your work. You get what you pay for,” Kavanaugh said. Customers want the best product, the best service, and the best price. At Miracle Method, Kavanaugh said the company’s quality services will save customers both money and time. “Our goal is to help homeowners with the best quality and service we can give by offering homeowners a major cost savings over tearing out and replacing a bathroom or kitchen — then being able to use that room in less than 24 hours,” Kavanaugh said. Miracle Method is a family-run business, with Terry and Darlene Kavanaugh joined by their daughter, Tabatha Veach as office manager and son-in-law Bob Veach serving as lead technician. Other technicians include Correy Dortch and Tracy McFarland. Look for Miracle Method, booth 4921, at the Home & Garden Show, March 5-9, at the Edward Jones Dome.

1-888-992-6222 www.miraclemethod.com

From L to R: Adrienne Van Camp, M.A., Amy Miller, M.D., and Dawn Castillo, R.N.

Healthy, Beautiful Skin From St. Louis Skin Solutions

Amy Miller M.D. opened St. Louis Skin Solutions in January 2004. A former Miss Seattle, Dr. Miller has always had a keen interest in skin care and aesthetics. Dr. Miller and her staff have been very selective in the lasers, products and procedures they offer to insure quality and the best results. Treatments are performed by Dr. Miller who is on-site four days a week, along with Adrienne Van Camp M.A. who has been with Dr. Miller for over six years, and Dawn Castillo R.N. who has been there for over two years. Dr. Miller offers cosmetic injectables for men and women. Botox® is commonly used for wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, lips, the forehead and between the eyebrows. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Sculptra, Radiesse, Perlane, Evolence and Restylane are used to correct nasolabial folds, marionette lines, scars, other wrinkles, fine lines and/or deep folds. St. Louis Skin Solutions offers a variety of true lasers for multiple conditions and treatments. Laser hair removal is one of the most popular laser treatments. Dr.

Miller also provides many other laser services, which include acne treatments, vascular therapy and skin rejuvenation, which is for correction of sun damage and age spots. Laser peels are used to resurface the skin to smooth texture and soften fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars. Other things such as birthmarks, moles, skin tags and port wine stains can be treated with a laser. Other non-laser services are available as well, such as microderms, chemical peels, make-up and general skin care consultations. St. Louis Skin Solutions is a proud provider of all the Obagi lines. The newest service is the FDA approved SmoothShapes laser for cellulite. Dr. Miller and her small staff would love to meet with individuals to discuss skin care needs and to come up with a personal plan for optimal results for their individual goals. St. Louis Skin Solutions is having a Botox Day on March 5. Botox® will be 10 percent off. Call 543-4015 or e-mail adrienne@stlouisskin. com for an appointment. Times are limited. Call of visit the Web site for more information.

13100 Manchester Suite 250 • Des Peres • 543-4015

Fax: 314-543-4070 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.stlouisskin.com

The experts at Reger Roofing and Siding Co.

Reger Roofing: Quality Workmanship Since 1928 Reger Roofing and Siding Company has been a family tradition since 1928 and truly a neighborhood business for 81 years. It was founded by Joseph Reger, great-grandfather to current owner Deborah Reger Menley. “Joseph believed in quality workmanship and customer satisfaction – beliefs we still hold today.” said Menley. His motto has been handed down through five generations: Joseph, Anthony, Richard and Deborah Reger Menley, and Menley’s two sons Jesse and Kaylin. Reger specializes in building repairs and improvements, including residential and commercial roofing installation, repairs, siding, windows, tuckpointing, guttering, counterflashing, skylight, sheetmetal build-up, EPDM, Modified and TPO. As owner, Menley takes the time to talk with customers, answer questions and to treat each person as a individual. Debbie Denter, office manager for 16 years, is ready to greet customers and to answer their

questions. Jim Boggs, Menley’s brother-in-law and Reger’s supervisor, schedules all jobs and is the troubleshooter. David Akers, Mike Cortopassi and Jesse Menley are the men to call for shingle roofs, gutters, siding and commercial roofing. Jesse Menley, the start of the fifth generation, specializes in helping commercial building owners begin roof maintenance programs at no charge. Reger Roofing salesmen are backed by more than 75 years of combined roofing and exterior contracting experience. Sam Mischanko, with Reger for over 34 years, specializes in slate and tile repairs. Bill Meehan, Tom Wiseman, Roger Cowan and Kaylin Menley (fifth generation) combine 78 years of experience in roofing, counter-flashing, repairs, and chimney tuck pointing. Finally Herbert Norman, with Reger for over 58 years, helps to keep the business running smoothly. “We look forward to doing business with new and old customers in the future,” Menley said.

641 Leffingwell • Kirkwood • 314-965-6203

January 30 - February 5, 2009

South County Times

Kevin and Becky Prewitt

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From left: Lynn Schmittgens, Becky Maness, Karen Richard, Tom Schmittgens and Amira Mujkic.

Lighthouse Biographies Preserves Family Memories In Books, On Video With everyone’s busy lives, it’s often hard to find the time, or even know how to begin to preserve family memories, stories and pictures. At Lighthouse Biographies LLC, a newly-opened business in St. Louis, Kevin and Becky Prewitt are helping people create family legacies by conducting personal interviews which they transform into hardbound books (complete with photos) or DVDs. After losing his father 14 years ago, along with a lifetime of memories, Kevin has had a passion to help people leave a legacy for their loved ones. Becky also understands the loss of life and the regret of not having asked more questions.

“My children never knew their grandma. I wish I would’ve done something like this for them,” she said. Kevin’s 20-plus years in management and customer service and Becky’s 25-plus years in print layout and design, bring a blend of compassion and professionalism to the creation of beautiful hardbound family legacy books. They also create Photo Storybooks using a customer’s personalized captions or short stories to go along with the pictures. These books can be theme books: vacations, anniversaries, weddings, sports teams, baby books, even children’s artwork. Call 314-723-3417 or visit Web site at www.LighthouseBiographies.com.

The Medicine Shoppe In Affton Delivers Neighborhood Drug Store Service Tom and Lynn Schmittgens have been providing personal service at The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Affton since 1989. “We wanted to practice pharmacy in a neighborhood drug store setting,” said Lynn. They bought the full-service pharmacy and home health care product store from Richard and Belle Schneider when they retired. The Medicine Shoppe has been in Affton for 32 years. The Schmittgenses moved to their current location at 7922 Mackenzie Road in August 2006. Tom, a registered pharmacist, has over 30 years of pharmacy experience in hospital and retail settings. As a breast cancer survivor, he has a special empathy with his “sisters.” “Living through that kind of diagnosis has given us great experience to assist families facing critical illnesses,” Lynn said. As an independent pharmacy, The Medicine Shoppe is facing today’s challenges from mail order and big box competition. “We find personalized service could never be more important,” said Lynn. “There are so many changes in medications due to cost or insurance or other needs. It is so confusing for

people. A good pharmacist is an invaluable asset. Having one pharmacy “home” is important.” To also beat the competition, the Schmittgenses have recently expanded their home health care business. Plus, they offer free delivery and the free mailing of prescriptions. The store also accepts most insurance, Medicare Part D, Missouri RX, and Medicaid. “We are certified in diabetes, asthma and allergy, immunizations (pending), and offer more classes and individual medication management counseling,” Lynn added. Their staff is also service oriented. Personnel includes relief pharmacist Rasma Chereson R. Ph.; pharmacy technicians, Amira Mujkic, Karen Richard and Becky Maness; pharmacy cashiers, Colleen and Bill Schmittgens (Lynn and Tom’s children), Laura Porter and Shelby Meyers; and drivers Emir Ramic and Gary Maness for out-ofAffton deliveries and All Restaurants Deliver for Affton deliveries. Hours are MondayFriday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

7922 Mackenzie Road • 314-638-3535 • medicineshoppe.com/0128

Jim and Staci Maneage with Matthew, Andrew and Kyle.

The Gutter Cover Company Dedicated To Service, Integrity, Quality

The Gutter Cover Company is a Christianbased, family-owned business. Owners Jim and Staci Maneage are dedicated to outstanding customer service, integrity in pricing and product quality. “We want to keep our customers off the roof by giving them a permanent fix to the nagging gutter care problem,” Staci said. The Gutter Cover Company is the exclusive authorized dealer in the St. Louis metro area for The Gutter Cover™. The internal bracket system is unique to this product. “You want the real ‘The Gutter Cover™’ so make sure it’s from Jim and Staci Maneage!” said Staci. “And it’s virtually maintenance free.” The company installs The Gutter Cover™ year-round. The cover fits over existing gutters keeping gutters free flowing, keeps water away from the house and prevents ice build-up from causing damage. The bracket system, along with the heavy gauge gutter cover adds to appearance and strengthens a home’s existing gutter system. Consumer Advocate Jill Farmer says, “The

company’s top-notch product, customer service and integrity are the best in the business. To have such high quality, at such a great value, make The Gutter Cover™ the only choice for me.” Quality materials, expert installation and 100 percent customer satisfaction remain the hallmarks of The Gutter Cover Company, which offers a lifetime performance warranty. The Maneages also do their own work and do not subcontract. They receive many compliments for their fine work and high-quality product. The company is a member of the Home Builders Association and has received the Angie’s List award three years in a row. The company has also received Better Business Bureau’s accredited business emblem. The Maneages encourage potential customers to check their record with the BBB. “Each of our customers is special,” said Staci. “You’re not just another job.” On a personal note, Jim and Staci have three sons: Matthew 25, Kyle, 21 and four-year-old Andrew. The family is also in the process of adopting a baby daughter, Ellianna, from China.

The Martha’s Hands Team is here to serve you and your loved one. Recognized as one of the area’s premiere privateduty home health services since 1997, Martha’s Hands has provided over 1,000,000 hours of compassionate care.

Martha’s Hands Home Health Provides “Love Through Service”

Martha’s Hands provides quality, compassionate private duty home health care. Our nursing team works with the family to develop a customized care plan for the client. Typical services include bathing and dressing assistance; meal preparation/clean-up; medication set-up and reminders; light housekeeping; laundry; errand running; and companionship. Eileen and John Hedrick founded Martha’s Hands with a mission that Eileen was taught over 30 years ago. While a nursing student, Eileen was taught compassionate care by the Sisters of Mercy, emphasizing total wellness. Eileen applied this mission in her nursing career. John had built his own success, having run his own successful engineering company since the mid 1980s. With Eileen’s focus on high quality standards and John’s ability to set up a company, Martha’s Hands started in their basement in 1997. Known for its quality service, Martha’s Hands

has grown to become one of the premiere privateduty home health agencies in St. Louis. Recently, Martha’s Hands launched a new program called Just for Moms, which helps expecting and new moms with care for themselves, newborns, siblings and your home. Martha’s Hands now offers basic dental services in your home. These Mobile Dentistry Services, performed by Dr. Dennis McCaffrey, provides people dental services without leaving the comfort of their own home. Martha’s Hands maintains membership in the National Private Duty Association, Missouri Alliance for Home Care, Social Workers in Long Term Care and the Kirkwood/Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce. While actual family members have joined the company, the Hedricks consider all of their employees members of their family, working to continue Eileen’s original mission of “Love through Service.”

The GuTTer Cover Co. 636-928-2828

theguttercovercompany.com

11906 Manchester • www.marthashands.com • 314-965-4350

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South County Times

January 30 - February 5, 2009

Eric Oliphant, Bob Starr, and Delayna Adams

Show Me Blinds Makes Window Fashions A Breeze

Show Me Blinds and Shutters Inc. has the knowledge and expertise to make window fashion projects a breeze. Owner, Robert Starr acquired the already successful and established Hunter Douglas Gallery in 2006. The gallery has been in business for over 13 years. Show Me Blinds and Shutters offers blinds, shades, shutters and draperies. Customers are invited to stop by the store and pick up a free Designing Windows catalog. A free in-home consultation with a professional design consultant will guide customers through the process of picking out the best treatment for their windows. The Show Me Blinds team includes: Delayna Adams, a design consultant with over seven years experience in the window fashion industry; Eric Oliphant, business consultant – EGO Business Consultants; plus Robert Starr, owner/installer. Along with experience, the team provides service with the care and the personal touch to guarantee customer satisfaction.

“I’ll make sure your window fashion project is a positive and thoroughly satisfying experience,” Starr said. “I enjoy the customer’s reaction when they see the finished product. “At Show Me Blinds, we want to be your one-stop shop for all your custom window fashion needs,” he added. “When you shop with us, you will have one of the most recognized names in the window industry and reliable expertise – all provided with a local touch being privately owned and operated.” Being the oldest Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Gallery in St. Louis has provided a solid foundation to weather these difficult times and even experience record growth. Show Me is very proud to be a Kirkwood business because of the community support to buy local. Starr credits a great part of the company’s success to Kirkwood-Webster customers who have entrusted his team to help beautify their homes and in return have given Show Me Blinds priceless word-ofmouth advertising and wonderful referrals.

933 S. Kirkwood Road • Kirkwood • 314-909-1177 www.showmeblinds.hdwfg.com

Pictured (l to r) are: James Wetton, Cindy Plummer, Ryan Whittington, Kit Whittington, Mark Petty, and Rebecca Pavelka.

Specializing In Adult In-Home Care Since 1987

Seniors Home Care (SHC) is the professional alternative for seniors who want the benefits of assisted living, but do not want to move out of their home. SHC, which now serves South County, has been providing inhome care to seniors in Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Clayton, Ladue and West County since 1987. Caring for older adults is a way of life for Kit Whittington, R.N., B.S.N, and the founder of Seniors Home Care (SHC). Kit takes a personal interest in all her clients, meeting with each of them before carefully selecting a thoroughly screened staff member as their caregiver. SHC provides much more than just basic assistance. Kit has designed her service around the true needs of the older population, with companionship, medication reminders, transportation, shopping, light housekeeping, cooking and personal care among the many services offered.

“I started SHC to provide a support system for older adults,” said Kit. “We allow individuals to stay in the comfort of their own homes and to maintain their independence. Our service is a reassurance to the adult children of seniors who find it difficult to raise their own families while trying to be supportive caregivers to their elderly parents.” SHC offers its clients flexibility, with care ranging from a 30-minute QuickVisit™ to 24-hour care seven days a week. Our live-in program is a cost-effective in-home service designed specifically for individuals requiring 24-hour care. A number of services are also offered to those in a nursing home, recovering from an illness, or who are hospitalized. “My goal is for older adults to be able to live with dignity,” said Kit. “I believe Seniors Home Care provides seniors just that, through the kindness and respect we show them one client at a time.”

Mid County 314-962-2666 • Clayton/Ladue 314-863-2667 South County 314-894-2666

The next Hometown Family Business profiles section runs in July 2009. Call 314-968-2699 to find out how you can be a part of it.

Rich Ray, Kevin Kilpatrick and Dick Russell.

Richard’s Roofing and Exteriors Humble Beginnings Lead To Success It all started in a basement. Dick Russell and Rich Ray started their company, Richard’s Roofing and Exteriors, in Russell’s basement on Washington Avenue in Kirkwood in 1990. “I told (Ray) that we will forever be connected, just like being married!” Russell said. In the early 1990s, the company moved out of the basement and into a renovated 1920s farmhouse, which now serves as an office, and a separate warehouse at its current location at 344 Leffingwell Ave. The company’s two buildings often serve as showrooms because they are outfitted with some of the company’s products. “Our office has vinyl replacement windows installed, so folks can actually try them out,” said Kevin Kilpatrick, president of the company’s siding and window division. The company strives to use quality materials as well as quality labor, Russell said.

“So many roofing and exteriors companies sub-contract their work today,” he said. “We must constantly stress the fact that we employ long-time people, who are all hourly employees.” Ray said the company’s dedication to using its own employees sometimes leads to a slightly higher price for completing a job, along with an explanation as to why that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “Our workmanship and customer service are well above our competitors who ‘sub-out’ their labor,” Ray said. Kilpatrick said the company’s focus on quality workmanship has helped build a strong reputation. “Word of mouth is our best network,” Kilpatrick said. “Our customers appreciate the services we provide.” For more information, visit www. richardsroofing.com or call 965-3008.

RichaRds Roofing & ExtERioRs inc.

344 Leffingwell • Kirkwood • 965-3008

January 2009